Course Content
1. Overview of Online Collaboration
2. Online Collaboration tools for women entrepreneurs
Online Collaboration tools: Gmail
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2.1
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2.2
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2.3
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2.4
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2.5
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2.6
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2.7
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2.8
3. Online Collaboration Tools: Google Calendar
4. Netiquette for effective Online Collaboration
5. Conclusions
Through this module we have gained a clear understanding of online collaboration, the two main types (synchronous & asynchronous, its advantages for entrepreneurs and business owners as well as the limitations it can impose. In addition, this module also presented the different categories of online collaboration tools that women entrepreneurs can take advantage of to brainstorm, share files, organize tasks and communicate virtually. The module suggests specific tools and provides step by step guides and videos for implementation. After covering the use of online collaboration tools/software, the last topic of the module focuses on the importance of netiquette and includes tips on how to communicate and collaborate effectively online. To sum up, in today’s digital era, online collaboration is extremely important and beneficial especially for entrepreneurs and small business that want to expand their companies. Make sure to take advantage of the guides and tips in this module and make use of the right online collaboration tools for your business.
4.1 What is netiquette?
Netiquette:
The term netiquette derives from the words “network” and “etiquette”. It refers to the unspoken rules required for communicating and collaborating efficiently online. Just like traditional etiquette, netiquette includes rules of conduct for social interactions in order to maintain a pleasant, comfortable and efficient online environment without conflict among users (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.).
Why is it so important for your business?
Why is netiquette important for your business? If you think about it netiquette is as crucial as basic etiquette. If most of your work is done online, then it can be even more important than basic etiquette. You must remember that anything you send or post online makes up your digital footprint. Think about your digital footprint as a record of your online activity which includes all the data you have shared, the places you have been and all the traces you left behind (Protection, 2021). One badly-written post on your company’s social media, or a miscalculated email sent to an important stakeholder or client could destroy your company’s reputation (Brennan, 2021).
It is essential to become aware of how our online behaviour can impact us and others. Nonverbal communication accounts for 80% of how communication is interpreted. Since face expressions and body language are very limited or non-existent online, comments and statements that we make can easily be misinterpreted (Consador, 2019).